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HIGGLE GARDEN BOOK 



quick Stimulant (but usually a safe one in this case). 

 1. M. Angell, New York State, contributes the fol- 

 lowing experience : ''A satisfactory, plan for sup- 

 plying the manure water, was to set a large per- 

 forated tin pail into a rack that was fastened across 

 the top of an ordinary wash-tub. A spigot was fitted 

 into the wash-tub near the bottom. Whenever liquid 

 manure was required, a quantity of manure from the 

 stable was placed in the tin pail and enough water 

 poured through it to fill the wash-tub into which it 

 drained. By turning the spigot we drew ofT into a 

 pail whatever we wished to carry to the plants. This 

 'filter' has been in use several seasons and is entirely 

 satisfactory. The manure is rich enough to supply 

 a number of tubfuls of the mixture before it is 

 necessary to replace it. To apply the liquid manure 

 we turned up a furrow with the hand plow, close 

 to the row, poured in the water, and turned back the 

 soil with the same tool. This method puts the liquid 

 where it will do the most good, and the loose earth 

 that is returned to its place makes the best sort of 

 mulch ; and by the same operation the ground re- 

 ceives cultivation. Nitrate of soda may be used in 

 the same way on such a garden. Our method is to 

 mix one pound with enough water to wet lOO feet 

 of row. By the time the garden has all received a 

 share, perhaps in the course of several days, the first 

 vegetables treated will be ready for another dose." 



Lime. — Some soils are ''sour." Lime will correct 

 this acidity and sweeten things generally, besides 

 helping to unlock and make available the stores of 

 fertility which may be in the ground. Applied to 

 stiff clay soils, it renders them loose and friable; 

 while it binds together sandy soils, thus making 

 them more retentive of moisture and fertility. Take 



